Low Power Microrobotics Utilizing Biologically Inspired Energy Generation

Through the duration of this project, the research team had many achievements. The most significant of these achievements was proving that a microbial fuel cell could be used as a power generation subsystem to locomote a microrobotic system. This was shown not only in simulation, but proven through an end-to-end systems test at the Naval Research Laboratory. This was a considerable accomplishment under the NASA NIAC Phase I program. However, this technology is far from ready for daily use. Future research must be accomplished in order to strengthen this technology and improve the technology readiness level to eventual field use. Future directions for this work lie in each of the three primary research areas: microbial fuel cell energy generation, low power electronics, and low power actuation and locomotion. In the field of microbial fuel cells, research must be conducted reduce the system size while improving power output. Large pumps must be reduced or eliminated to make this technology appropriate for mobile systems. Efficiencies in membrane and electrode technology are already being investigated at the Naval Research Laboratory, but more attention will be needed in this area in the future. Investigations into eliminating the filters that process spent fuel and oxidant through the development of a complete ecosystem where these spent reactants are the primary inputs for another microbial reaction should also be performed. Additionally, as these systems progress to future uses in space, it is also essential to investigate microbes that could survive the radiation environment of space. In the field of low power electronics, research must be conducted to further improve the efficiency of the microelectronics used to harvest and distribute power within the system. An investigation into low power microprocessors or digital logic systems for onboard power management should be conducted to allow active charge and discharge scheduling processes. From a materials perspective, improvements in electro-chemical technologies to lower selfdischarge losses will increase the charge potential of these devices while reducing overall energy storage volume. In the field of low power locomotion, research must be conducted to more effectively channel electrical energy to activate an actuator. A more efficient approach to mechanical potential energy storage is also required to improve the overall efficiency of the locomotion system. This includes the use of more efficient electro-mechanical actuators, either linear or rotary motors. A more detailed analysis into a low gravity surface locomotion system is also necessary to ensure an optimal design for this environment. The future achievements of this technology could change the way researchers approach energy growth processes and drive science in a new direction. This can lead to the concept of a perpetual ecosystem which could be used in establishing regenerative power systems for human habited space stations or unmanned robotic systems on planetary bodies. More research is needed in each of these areas in order to bring about these advancements, but this NASA NIAC Phase I research has opened the door to developing novel low powered microrobotic systems fueled by microbial based energy generation. Educational outreach: Presented research at the From Science Fiction to Science Fact Seminar at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry to ~500 students and their families. Supported several student projects at MSI. MSI talk inspired a student visit to NRL, and may lead to an internship at NRL in 2015.